Ted B. wrote
"(PeteCresswell)" wrote in message
...
Per Ted B.:
your best bet for a car that will last a long time would be any
gasoline (only)

Why only gas-powered?

A number of reasons, the main one being that gas (only) designs have
been refined over many years to the point where even the worst of the
bunch are pretty darned reliable. Diesel (only) designs are pretty
close, in terms of reliability, but not QUITE up to par with the gas
(only) vehicles yet.

Oh bull****.

Again, there are exceptions, but if you want to
play the odds on a car that will last a long time, gas (only) is your
best bet right now and Japanese makes are also your best bet.

More bull****.

There are a number of other options including gas/electric hybrids
and even natural gas production vehicles. They all have major
disadvantages over gas (only) designs, though. Hybrids are VERY
complex, using extra parts that have limited lifespans and are VERY
expensive to replace. (read: batteries) In theory at least, any
natural gas vehicle SHOULD be just as reliable as a gasoline powered
vehicle is. The problem with a natural gas vehicle will be availability of
fuel.

More bull****.

Owner satisfaction plays a DIRECT role in the
long-term reliability of any vehicle. Simply stated, if you like
your car, you will take better care of it.

Gets sillier by the minute.

I don't see how any owner
of a natural gas powered vehicle could be real satisfied with a car
that has limited infrastructure support.

In spades.

Most hybrid owners seem to
be ecstatically happy with their vehicles, for now. That will change
fast when the hybrids are old enough to need their batteries
replaced, though. And if we are talking about a vehicle to drive for
~20 years or longer, then multiple rounds of battery replacements
WILL be an issue for hybrid owners.

All things considered, gas (only) is the best bet, right now (2005).

Bull**** with diesels and natural gas.